Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara and melty mozzarella, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker! Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep. The ease of preparation combined with the rich flavors makes this dish a standout. Enjoy the comforting taste of Italian cuisine right at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the rest.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella creates a deliciously creamy experience.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy goodness, everyone will love this dish!
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and lower in calories compared to other creamy pasta dishes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This essential appliance allows you to slow-cook your chicken to perfection without constant attention.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces and seasonings efficiently before pouring them into the slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
Optional Add-ins
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Extra garlic cloves
- Fresh oregano
- Sun-dried tomatoes
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Place Chicken in Slow Cooker
Put the seasoned chicken breasts directly into your slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens!
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure they are fully covered to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 5: Cook on Low or High
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. The longer you cook on low, the more tender your chicken will be.
Step 6: Add Cheese
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.
Step 7: Final Cooking Stage
Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This should take about 30 minutes.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish warm!
This delicious recipe serves six people and takes only about 10 minutes of prep time. With a total cooking time of around six hours on low heat or three hours on high heat, you’ll have a hearty meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is not just a hearty meal; it’s also versatile for serving. You can elevate your dining experience by pairing this dish with various sides or garnishes.
With Pasta
- Spaghetti – A classic choice, spaghetti complements the rich marinara and creamy cheese beautifully.
- Penne – This tubular pasta can scoop up the cheesy goodness, making every bite satisfying.
On Rice
- White Rice – Simple and fluffy, white rice absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.
- Risotto – For a creamier texture, serve it over a bed of risotto infused with herbs.
In Sandwiches
- Sub Roll – Create a delicious sandwich by placing the cheesy chicken in a toasted sub roll with extra marinara.
- Ciabatta Bread – Use ciabatta for a crunchy exterior and soft interior that holds all the flavors well.
With Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli – Add a pop of color and nutrition by serving steamed broccoli on the side.
- Roasted Zucchini – Roasting enhances their sweetness, making them a great pairing.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Chicken – Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will ensure tenderness and flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning – Properly seasoning your chicken before cooking helps to enhance the overall taste.
- Use Low Sodium Broth – Opt for low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of your dish.
- Add Flavor Boosters – Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on LOW allows flavors to meld beautifully and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Let it Rest Before Serving – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps set the flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce; you can make it easily at home or buy it pre-made.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch against the creamy chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair well with rich sauces like marinara.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad can balance out the richness of the cheesy chicken while adding nutrition.
- Grilled Asparagus – The slight char from grilling asparagus adds depth and pairs nicely with Italian flavors.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw can bring a refreshing crunch that complements the cheesy dish well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overseasoning the Chicken: Adding too much salt or spices can overwhelm the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced flavor.
- Not Using Enough Liquid: A lack of liquid can lead to dry chicken. Always ensure there’s enough broth or sauce in the slow cooker.
- Cooking on High Too Soon: Moving directly to high heat can result in uneven cooking. Start on low for the best results.
- Skipping Cheese at the Right Time: Adding cheese too early can cause it to burn. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking for perfect meltiness.
- Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into the chicken too soon can release juices. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken?
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with marinara and topped with melted mozzarella.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase cooking time by an hour on low.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I customize my Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Give it a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a delightful dish that transforms tender chicken breasts into a comforting Italian meal. Cooked slowly in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you can easily whip up this hearty meal while your slow cooker does all the work. Simply season the chicken, pour in the sauce, and let it simmer until perfectly tender. Serve it over pasta, rice, or in a sandwich for a versatile dinner option everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning; mix well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken ensuring it's fully covered.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Allow cheese to melt before serving; garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (LOW)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
